Once you're
in the Philippines, you don't have to worry too much about transportation,
as there are many ways and means to get around the country. Tourists can
pick and choose the mode of transportation that they prefer, depending
on the destination, the distance and their budget.

Domestic
Travel

Transportation
around the Philippines normally starts and ends in the country's capital,
Manila. Even within the country, flying is popular because it is fast,
convenient and inexpensive. Furthermore, the country's domestic airlines
such as Philippine Airlines, Grand Air International, Cebu Air, Aerolift
and Air Philippines cover the whole country with their routes.

Philippine
Airlines, the country's major carrier runs a regular service to and from
43 domestic points while the second national carrier, Grand Air International
flies to Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Tacloban. These two airlines
face stiff competitions from other domestic airlines like the Cebu Pacific
Air, Aerolift, Air Philippines, Air Ads and Asian Spirit. Cebu Pacific
Air flies twice a day to Cebu, Davao, Tacloban, Iloilo and Cagayan de
Oro City. Aerolift services Daet, Cebu, Boracay, Bohol, Dipolog, Lubang
and Busuanga. Air Philippines covers other destinations like Subic, Iloilo,
Zamboanga and Puerta Princesa daily. Air Ads flies to Busuanga, Caticlan
and Lubang and Asian Spirit serves Calbayog, Catarman, San Jose, Virac
and other destinations.

Note: If
you're planning to travel during the Easter and Christmas holiday seasons,
it is advisable to make reservations in advance as these are the times
when people are on the move.

Water
Transport

Boat is yet
another mode of transportation to travel around the archipelago. Wherever
you go, there's always a boat waiting to take you to the next island.
Most of the time, outrigger boats or 'pumpboats' are used for short trips.
However, tourists are warned that inter-island boat traveling is only
suitable for those who are prepared to rough it out.

For travelers
who feel that this is not for them, they can have the option of taking
the fast ferries. The introduction of the fast ferries has greatly improved
the inter-island services, especially in the Visayas region. These fast
ferries are actually air-conditioned ships, mostly catamarans that are
fitted with aircraft seats, a small bar and video screens that come with
names like Island Jet, Supercat, Bullet Xpress and Water Jet. Unlike smaller
boats, this mode of transportation is a real alternative to flying as
it is comfortable and less expensive.